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A new study suggests music could help under-served children excel in school. Ian Cull reports. (Published Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014)

Updated at 6:41 AM PDT on Wednesday, Sep 3, 2014

A new study suggests music could help under-served children excel in school.

Researchers at Northwestern University said turning under-served kids into musicians will help them process complex sounds as well as privileged students. The study also suggests kids learning how to play an instrument can lead to better language and reading skills.

"The more sounds that the kids hear in a musical setting, the more advanced their brain becomes and the quicker they get at being able to distinguish," said Julie Rinard, San Jose Jazz Progressions director.

The San Jose Jazz Progressions program brings music to at-risk students by providing instruments and instruction.